Conrad Hotels & Resorts is to open its latest villa and spa development in Koh Samui, Thailand, in 2009.

Overlooking Aow Thai Beach at the southwest tip of the island, Conrad Koh Samui will be spread over 25 acres and offer panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.

The spa will combine traditional Thai philosophies with contemporary techniques.

In June, Conrad Hotels & Resorts entered the South American market after signing its first management agreement in South America.

The Conrad Buenos Aires hotel will be located in the Puerto Madero district. It will feature 190 bedrooms, a signature restaurant, lobby bar, fitness centre and meeting space. Construction is expected to begin in 2008, with completion scheduled for early 2010.

Further Conrad Hotels & Resorts are under development in the Maldives, Shanghai in China, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in UAE, the Bahamas and Koh Samui in Thailand.

Photograph: The sun setting over the lagoon pool at another Conrad property, the Bali Resort and Spa in Indonesia